Where to Stay in Riga

Riga is renowned for having some of the best value 4 and 5 star hotels in Europe. Although the prices have increased over the last couple of years, Riga still offers a great variety of boutique and larger hotels.

The most popular hotel in Riga is the Radisson Blu Lativa, one of four hotels in the Radisson chain. With over 500 rooms, the Radisson Blu Latvia is the largest hotel in Riga and offers large conference and leisure facilities.

As part of the Radisson chain there is also Radisson Elizabete, Daugava and Ridzene. Combined these hotels offer over 1000 rooms ranging from 85euros per room per night to 200euros PRPN.

Riga isn’t all about large hotels and conference facilities however, in Riga’s Old Town the narrow streets hide some cozy boutique hotels. Old City Boutique Hotel is one of the best, with elements of medieval Riga flowing through the hotel.

The Kolonna Riga and Konventa Seta hotels are also situated in Riga’s Old Town, both offer generous 3* accommodation in great a location. Konventa Seta is a mixture of 9 medieval buildings, each housing different room styles. The Hotel centre’s on a medieval courtyard, during the summer months this courtyard is full of stalls selling souvenirs and traditional goods.

Kolonna Riga is in a more lively part of the Old Town, sat on Tirgonu Iela between two of Riga’s largest squares. Opposite a Dutch merchants house that was built in 1698, Tigonu iela is one of Riga’s oldest streets. During the summer months, the two squares are alive with beer gardens and live music. In the winter, the beer gardens make way for Christmas markets and fairs.

If you are visiting Riga on a budget, there are several hostel options depending on your style. If you are looking for the backpacker style then the Naughty Squirrel is your best bet. Winners of various hostel awards, including best Hostel in Latvia for the past 4 years, and the best Hostel in Eastern Europe in 2011.

The current trend in Riga is to rent an apartment for the weekend, when you are in a big group this can very often be the most cost effective option, so long as you are happy to cook and look after yourself, without room service or fresh sheets every night.

If you want to experience what Latvia has to offer, then getting out of Riga is the best option. Country houses and castles can provide an escape from modern day life. Getting back to basics with comfortable rooms, sauna’s and very often a small lake, country houses are the perfect way to bond with your team or to simply experience the Latvian country side.

If you are looking for accommodation in Riga or elsewhere in Latvia, then please take a look at our Hotels page, or contact us by email or phone +371 2208 4613

Authour Graham Williams